Well I guess it all depends if you want to just survive or survive in style. I guess where you live is also very important. There are some bridges and few tunnels that would allow me to leave NYC. If by any chance something happened in the city I have to make a decision if I want to go back to Brooklyn, regroup, reorganize and than make my way out OR leave immediately from the city as I stand. Now I know that if I went back it will be close to impossible to get out due to limited capacities of the roads. Now if I left I would be seriously under prepared but that would be for almost everyone short of people who carry their BOBs in their car. Personally I would rather stay at my place, regroup, connect resources with my friends and work out of my hospital. I only consider evacuation as a last resort.

Now also if I’m aware that there is a happy ending at the finish line I’m willing to push my self much further than if my ending was uncertain. Example: I wouldn’t mind getting wet, soaked and cold if I knew that there is hot cup of soup and dry clothes waiting for me at the end of my 25 mile trek. It doesn’t matter that the cup would have to be prepared by me but the knowledge that I’m going to the safe place will be strong enough motivator. Now if during the same scenario I was stuck in the middle of nowhere I will be very cautious on how to distribute my energy and how much abuse and tear my body can take.

I also understand that people will hit the stores in case of water/food shortage than I will rely on my house stash. Also that water purification tablets that I will have on me won’t do much. 24 hrs without water on a hot day is uncomfortable but not impossible. This also brings me to the case above. I’m willing to push my self faster if I know that there is a pint of high quality H2O waiting for me at home versus not knowing where my next cup will come from.